Win a holiday to St Helena

There’s remote and then there’s St Helena. A lone subtropical island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean – over 1,000 miles from the nearest continent – it’s a land that makes it impossible not to switch off from the day to day and reconnect with what truly matters. It may only be 121sq km in size, but this rugged volcanic isle is big on biodiversity, rich in historical significance and home to some rare, standout produce – and with a population of under 4,500, locals will treat you like family.

While the introduction of an airport in 2017 ensures ease of access via South Africa, St Helena remains a relatively undiscovered gem. From Jurassic-like forests to the Category VI Marine Protected Area, almost the size of France, there’s plenty of opportunity for wildlife sightings whether on land or sea. Dive into the crystal-clear waters to spot over 780 species (some endemic), including whale sharks, and watch frolicking dolphins and breaching humpbacks from a sunset cruise. Back on terra firma, take a guided tour or hike across the dramatic landscape that reveals some 500 native flora and fauna species, and meet the world’s oldest living land animal, Jonathan, the giant tortoise who recently celebrated his 190th birthday.

As one of a handful of mid-Atlantic islands, St Helena was once a vital pitstop for the East India Company and many traces of its past are evident, from Georgian architecture and Anglican churches in Jamestown to poignant Rupert’s Valley, which stands as one of the most important archeological remains of the transatlantic slave trade. Longwood House is also famed as the final residence of Napoleon following his exile in 1815.

Diverse culinary offerings don’t fall short either. Plo (a little like pilaf) and the freshest fish sit plate-to-plate with the likes of St Helena beef or goat curry. Huge eels are a delicacy often enjoyed at a weekend ‘cook up’, but no trip is complete without a strong brew of St Helena coffee, among the world’s most highly valued, or a visit to the distillery that crafts gin, rum and coffee liqueur. With so much on offer, St Helena is a breath of fresh air. sthelenatourism.com

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The prize

The winner will receive a six-night stay for two on St Helena Island: three nights at Farm Lodge Country House (with a five-course dinner), one night at Longwood House (including Napoleonic tour with French Consul and dinner) and two nights at Mantis St Helena hotel. Prize includes airport transfers, coffee plantation tour, distillery tasting tour, full island tour with lunch, dinner at a country estate with transfers, guided hike, fishing experience, lunch and history tour by the Museum of St Helena, cooking class, sunset boat cruise, full-day conservation tour and farewell dinner. The competition closes at 5pm on 31 January 2023.

Prize excludes flights, activities, food and drinks not specified. The winner must be over 18. Prize valid until 1 April 2024.

St Helena is serviced by weekly Airlink flights between Johannesburg’s or Tambo International Airport (JNB) and St Helena Airport (HLE). The prize package therefore centres around a Saturday arrival, and departure the following Saturday. St Helena’s summer season is November to April, therefore it is strongly recommended the prize is taken up during these months. St Helena Tourism is not liable for any cancellations due to weather or other unforeseen extraneous factors.